I'm probably putting words in her mouth, because she's probably never said exactly any of those things -- but that's the essence. And everyone catches her spirit (enthusiasm is contagious, you know), and her and my energy builds off each other, and the shop gets loud and full and people stare at us like we're loons . . . but they always agree that whichever necklace she's opted for, it's a no-brainer, must-have.

Bratz and Barbie doll parts lept at the chance to be a part of this strange body parts collage. Hands and feet are embellished with ''diamonds'' and jewels, so as to be sure and one-up each other. You know how kids are.

There is confliction as to who is the actual author of this essay -- rumored to be Leno or Letterman, who knows . . . maybe even just some guy . . . but it's fitting for Thanksgiving day. I happen to think most Americans ARE appreciative, but let's remind ourselves. We really do need to give thanks. We are fortunate.

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. The poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy . . . in essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?''

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the

winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TV's, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." -- author apparently unknown

If Peter Max had been born female, would he have wanted to wear this? Or maybe if he had just been born closer to the metrosexual era we're in now?

This screams of Twiggy and Laugh-In. The 1960's personified. Odd given that most of the elements are 1980's. But that's how art is. It morphs into it's own skin and then there's no denying its true essence.

I have a lovely young customer who is from one of the most gorgeous places on the earth, Zagreb, Croatia.

I've had the pleasure of visiting that city, and how I'd love to go back one day.

Miss modelesque Iva sent me this picture of Grace Kelly from the movie Rear Window wearing a most gorgeous vintage bracelet. Could I make her something like it, she asked. For Iva, the answer was yes.

It's chocked full of vintage chunky golden charms, several of which were former earrings, vintage satin gold beads embellished with the yummiest old bead caps I could find, and to make it super-special, I tucked in a charm of the continent of Africa.

She'll be going there on a trip soon and knew it would have wonderful meaning for her.All charms removable for individual wear as well.

Meet lovely mother and daughter Rachel and Barbara Driver. Rachel is about as pretty as they come, and you can see where she gets those good looks!

Barbara has become a great fan of Anthill and Kay necklaces and I LOVE her sense of style. She loves glamour and sophistication, and of course the classics (Chanel, Haskell), but always with an eye for that piece that has a certain j'ne sais quoi that makes it inch out above the rest.

I've recently made Barbara a piece using some OUTSTANDING Chanel earrings she bought, and I can't wait to show her! Watch for that blog coming soon.

In the meantime, here she's wearing this fun-filled glamour number that is one-in-this-world.

For those of us in the fashion and jewelry business, the Holy Grail of Beatitude is often awarded to Louis Vuitton. (Sometimes the stage is shared with Ms. Chanel, Ms. Haskell, Mr. de la Renta, Mr. Armani, Mr. Dior, you know . . . the masters).

I have to say my inspiration here was with the man deemed the most successful luxury brand in the world. The above picture (with the owl) is an actual Louis Vuitton piece that retails for $10,570. Don't I wish?

GRACE DUVAL JOHNSTON, AGAIN! Yes, folks, this time she won the Uncommon Threads Wearable Art Fashion Show, held in downtown Baton Rouge at the Louisiana State Museum. FIRST PLACE!!!

Her dress is made of balsa wood and actually curtsy's-on-demand upon pulling the drawstrings built into the dress. The underlining is a bodice constructed from pantyhose! Can you believe?(Grace and I think so much alike creatively, maybe our mothers were sisters and we don't know it). Time for some genealogy research . . .

The necklace is a collection of vintage bone, celluloid and ceramic artifacts that came together effortlessly for Grace's Exoskeleton Dress. A little plucking, grinding, drilling, tweaking and VOILA! A winning combination takes it in Baton Rouge.

LET'S DO IT AGAIN GRACIE! Can we talk her into doing Project Runway, please???

Enamels and rhinestones, each a botanical element, pose in colors of zany pale blues and whimsical soft greens . . . and then come those crazy little daisy's on the ends. Black pinned crystal chain unifies this crazy garden.

Each piece removes to be worn individually. Put the green leaf on a silver chain for the day . . . or the twirling tiffany blue center piece on a black cord. Choice and versatility are built right into the necklace!

When you've got beauty, brains, the Opera House in Sydney, Australia and a Kay necklace, is there really anything else?

This is Rebecca posing in front of the famous Sydney icon. She is decked out in off the shoulder elegance and wearing her one-of-a-kind Kay Adams necklace. Her husband, Scott, came into Anthill and bought this necklace for her as a surprise. And then off they flew to the other side of the world for adventure and fun. G-O-O-Dhusband!

And doesn't she wear it beautifully.

I think it's time for another Kay piece, Scott! (Besides I want to blog about another one of your adventures)! :)

Yes, Merry Christmas! Well let me explain. I was asked to be a designer in this year's annual Lewis Ginter "Splendor Under the Glass" Designer Wreath Auction, November 21st. (Just around the corner, really).

This is an invitation-only, black tie affair staged in the dramatic glass Conservatory. It will be a memorable evening filled with festivities including an elegant dinner, entertainment, a special preview of the GardenFest of Lights 2008, and of course the live auction of wreaths by artists who were asked to submit their work for this annual fundraising event.

Indeed, this is my contribution. I have been teased relentlessly for saving burnt out bulbs by almost every member of my family. (And if you know the chandeliers in Anthill -- well over 100 fixtures lit at any given time -- you know we have BULBS!). But intuitively I knew there was a gorgeous application with those spent bulbs just waiting to be discovered. And guess what? I WAS RIGHT! :))) GLEE! No more teasing, ok? (No chance of that I'm sure) ;).

I had a lovely time making it, was so happy to recycle such seemingly pointless landfill, and was certainly honored to be asked to be a designer. So all you lovely bidders -- bid high, bid proud and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!SOLD

I thought this necklace looked particularly November 1sty, with it's lovely collection of autumnal tone scarabs.

The scarab (Latin for beetle) conveys ideas of transformation, renewal and resurrection in ancient Egyptian religion.

Scarab jewelry was a most popular look in the 1960's, probably due in part to Elizabeth Taylor's epic movie Cleopatra. Bracelets, watchbands, earrings, rings and brooches were in vogue. They were made using stone, glass or resin scarabs.

Because of continued fascination with the art and beliefs of ancient Egypt, scarabs are still a classic. This necklace brings together former earrings, pendants and a former Sarah Conventry circle pin, to form a scrumptious collection of scarabs I think even Liz herself may have wanted to don. Signed Kay Adams.

Kay Adams is a local antique shop owner of Anthill Antiques in historic Carytown, Richmond, VA, and an accomplished jewelry designer. Let the blog inspire your creativity! And when in Richmond, be sure to visit the Anthill for the most amazing sensory-overload shopping experience imaginable!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Antill Antiques, Etc.
3439 West Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23221
804.254.2000
~open 7 day a week~